Local Attractions Grey Abbey (3/4 mile). The ruins of a 12th century Cisterican abbey with Physic Garden. Mount Stewart House and Gardens (3 miles). This is one of the best National Trust properties in the UK. Castle Ward (11 miles). 18th century National Trust mansion with sawmill and cornmill in 700 acre estate on the shores of Strangford Lough. Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry (9 miles). Northern Ireland's only Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary. Displays of the rich and diverse ecosystems of Strangford Lough. Castle Espie, Comber (11 miles) .Wildlife and wetlands centre with a wide variety of birds and activity centre. Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra. (15 miles). Set in parkland showing the history of Ulster buildings and transport. Local Activities Golf - there are 5 x18 hole golf courses within a ten mile radius. Fishing - sea angling and fresh water fishing are available locally. Riding - there are 4 equestrian centres within a ten mile radius Bird watching - Strangford Lough is an area of world reknown for over-wintering geese. Motor racing and motor cycle racing - regular meetings at Kirkiston. Sailing both in Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea - there are numerous sailing clubs and marinas within a few miles. Diving - Portaferry is a well known centre for this sport. There are good sandy beaches at Millisle, Ballywalter and Cloughey. Swimming - public pools in Newtownards and Bangor - also with leisure centre facilities. Flying and Helicopter lessons at Newtownards - also helicopter trips round the Peninsula. Live music is part of the local tradition and is played in pubs in Greyabbey, Donaghadee and particularly Portaferry. The Mourne Mountains are an hour and a half drive (either by ferry from Portaferry-Strangford - or via Comber). This is an area of outstanding beauty and has a huge variety of outdoor activities. The list is huge and we could go on but suffice to say there is plenty do including the Ulster Museum, the Odyssey Arena, Parliament Buildings, Stormont and the Waterfront Hall all in Belfast. In Lisburn the Linen Museum is well worth a visit. Hillsborough is a charming mainly 18th century village with good restaurants and shops. The Butterfly House at Seaforde is also not too far away. There is a wide variety of places to eat on the Ards Peninsula and many of the attractions listed above have their own restaurants or cafes.

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